Journal #1

            Today in class Elisa expressed her concern that even when she attempts to begin a reading assignment with an open mind, it is often extremely difficult to keep her views aside.  I believe this is a very important point.  I was raised in a small predominantly Jewish suburb of Cleveland, attended Hebrew school starting in Kindergarten until I was 16 years old, became very involved in the Jewish organizations on campus at Ohio State, joined a sorority in which the majority of members are Jews, attended a Jewish overnight camp with Israeli staff members, and spent 5 months in Jerusalem on a program exploring Israel with other interested Jewish young adults.  While I listen, learn, read, and engage with the other class members, all of whom have of different beliefs, backgrounds, and their own connection to Jerusalem, my Jewish identity that has developed throughout the past 21 years will naturally influence my interpretation of what is discussed in class.  While we all know keeping an open mind throughout this semester is an extremely difficult challenge, it is also important to realize the extremely unique opportunity presented by the fact that each of us has a distinct background. 

Amphitheater at Hebrew University, Jerusalem

Here we are, a group of about 20 Ohio State students sitting in a room for an hour and 20 minutes two times a week; engaging in meaningful and respectful discussion about one of the most contested topics throughout time. Whether it be a religious connection, a connection relating to ones studies international studies/religious studies major, or simply the desire to learn more about a topic we are unfamiliar with, each and every one of us had a tie to Jerusalem before we even walked through the doors on the first day of class.  As we engage in respectful discussion of the selected literature, I anticipate that this class will be an eye opening. 

Growing up in a “Jewish World” it has always been easy for me to find Israeli support groups that defend Israel as the Jewish homeland, however I have not yet had the opportunity to meaningfully engage with individuals of an array of backgrounds.  While I think that there will be many times in which our strong opinions clash and slow down the flow of discussion, I believe the environment of this class has the potential to create a sense of understanding and tolerance that is rare in today’s day.  While it is important to maintain a certain level of open-mindedness, I think that there is also a lot to gain from having the opportunity to share our contradicting opinions in such safe environment.  I am truly looking forward to both the opportunity and challenge of looking at Jerusalem through the eyes of others.

While I am confident that this semester will be eye opening and extremely valuable experience for all of us, I foresee obstacles along the way. From what I have taken note of throughout the first week of class, it appears that many students are very knowledgeable about the subject mater at hand.  Personally, I came into class feeling like I have a relatively good understanding of the background of Jerusalem.  However after discussing articles in class, I realize that my current knowledge is extremely limiting to a Jewish perspective. My lack of exposure to other perspectives made me experience sense of intimidation; I felt nervous to say something that would offend another student’s beliefs. I predict that I do not stand alone in feeling this way.  Since we are discussing such controversial and long lasting issues, I hope that we will continue to strive to create a sense of tolerance and patience among our class so that we are comfortable enough to express ourselves.  So far, I feel that we are heading down the right path in doing so; while it may take a little bit of time, I am confident that I will soon gain a level of comfort that will allow me to open up. 

My friends and I traveling into the city center on the Train in Jerusalem

In Tuesday’s class I thought the discussion we had regarding representing Jerusalem in Washington D.C. was extremely interesting.  Despite our diverse backgrounds, it was really fascinating that a level of consensus seemed to be reached.  The majority of our class seemed see eye to eye in the fact that it is not really possible to experience Jerusalem in Washington DC. This led me to the realization that it is possible to reach a level of agreement; and I believe this will play a large role in helping me feel at ease when expressing my opinion.